29. 
Names,--letin: Cuniculus pace 
Guatemalan: Tepeizcuinte, Gibnot 
English: Cavie, paca 
Description.--A large rodent, somewhat similar to Dasyprocta (No. 28), but with shorter legs 
end very different coloration, Reddish, with longitudinal rows of conspicuous white spots 
and stripes on the sides from.the neck to the tail, which is very short, 
Dis 8 ter o--Large size; reddish coloration; white spots and stripes on 
sides, 
Messyrements.—-Adulte average: total length 700 mm,; tail, 20 mm.; hind foot, 100 mm; oar, 
25 mm, 
General djstribution.--México to Brazil, Paraguay, and Peru. 
Dietributio m --Probably the whole Republic, but definitely reported only from 
the highlands, where it is common on the volcanoes, from Petén, and from near Tiquisate in 
the Pacific lowlands, 
Habitat.--Forests and brush lands, often in rocky areas, 
Habits.--This species is even more nocturnal than the cotusa, and therefore less likely to 
be observed during the daytime, It inhabite burrows in the grounds, often in rocky places, 
where the natural recesses among the rocks may be utilized to some extent. Like the cotuza, 
it subsists on a vegetable diet. 
Eunting.--The most of this species ia delicious, end often may be found for sale in the 
Indian markets. Next to deer, this animal is presently the most important wild species from 
the standpoint of the Indian, 4lso, when hunted with hounds, it often displays good sport- 
ing characteristics, though it is sometimes too quick to retreat to its burrow, where it 
remains quite safe unless more than one dog goes in after it. 
Remerks.--The Guatemalan race is probably yelgoni. 
30. 
Names.-—Latin: Lepus flavigularis 
Guatemalan: ILiebre 
English: Jack rabbit 
Description.--A large hare with long prominent ears; hind legs much larger than the forelegs; 
short, powderpuff tail, Coloration as follows: upper parts buff washed with black; forelegs 
and throst plain buff; hind lege gray; and under parte white, 
Dist h r r e~~Large size; long hind legs and ears; varied color pattern, 
Measurements.--Measurements of adulte average:. total length, 595 mm.; tail, 77 mm.; hind 
foot, 133 mm.; ear, 112 mn, . 
Genera) distribytion.--Coastal plains and foothilis from the southern end of the Isthmus of 
Tehuantepec in Oaxaca, México, to near the Guatemalan border in Chiapas, Sea level to 2,000 
feet elevation, . 
Distrivution in Guatemala.--This species has never been recorded in Guatemala, but might be 
expected in the Pacific lowlands near the Méxican border, 
Habitat.--Dry savennahs, pasture land, and open brush land, ; 
Habits.--Jack rabbits are noted mainly for the speed and long jumps which they employ in 
escaping from danger, Like other rabbits and hares, they hop instead of walk, using their 
large hind legs in kangaroo fashion, They live in clumps of grass and probably aleo use 
burrows in the ground as retreats, They are vegetarians, and subsist mainly on the foliage 
of plants, 
Hunting,--Like the coyote, which occurs in similar habitat, the jack rabbit is at its best 
&6 a game animal when it can be shot at long distances with a small rifle, In the southern 
part of the range of this particular species, however, the terrain does not offer that oppor- 
tunity, and it is hunted by the same methods as the smaller rabbits, 
31. 
Names,—Latin: Sylvilagus floridanus 
Guatemalan: Conejo — 
English; Cottontail rabbit 
Description.~A medium size rabbit with relatively long hind legs and ears, and a short, 
fluffy, cotton-like tail, Coloration gray brown on the upper parts, and white below, with 
a reddish patch on the nape, 
2 
Distinguishing characteristicg.--Long eara; fluffy, cotton-white, powder-puff tail, 
154 
